Cuphea plant named ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Cuphea  named ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ that is characterized by dense upright habit, dark green foliage, and large bright magenta flowers that bloom continuously throughout spring, summer and fall. In combination these traits set ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ apart from all other existing varieties of  Cuphea  known to the inventor.

Genus: Cuphea.

Species: llavea×procumbens.

Denomination: ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Cupheathat is grown for use as an annual plant for container or for use as aperennial plant for the landscape in frost-free regions. The newcultivar is known botanically as Cuphea llavea×procumbens and will bereferred to hereinafter by the cultivar name ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’.

The new Cuphea cultivar ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is a hybrid plant thatresulted from the induced cross-pollination conducted by the inventor inJune 2001 at the inventor's nursery in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ was selected by the inventor in December 2003 basedon upright habit, and dark red flowers with six lobes per individualflower.

The inventor cross-pollinated an individual plant of the seed parent,Cuphea llavea ‘Tiny Mice’ (unpatented) and an individual plant of thepollen parent Cuphea procumbens (species, not a cultivar, unpatented).Observing that the resulting seedlings exhibited a range of flowercolors and flower shapes, the inventor set aside several hundred ofthese seedlings for further growth trials in order to select the mostpromising combination of unique flower shape, flower color, andcompactness, of plant habit. Four individual clones, from the seedlingpopulation were selected by the inventor in 2003. One selectionconstitutes the present invention, ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’. The other threeselections are ‘Flamenco Samba’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,823), ‘FlamencoRumba’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,213), and ‘Flamenco Tango’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 17,285).

‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits dense upright habit, large hairy flowerbuds, large deep magenta flowers and dark yellow-green foliage.Propagation is accomplished using vegetative cuttings. The closestcomparison plant known to the inventor is the inventor's co-pendingvariety ‘Flamenco Samba’, which exhibits dark red flowers and an openupright habit. ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is distinguishable from the comparisonplant by dark magenta flowers.

The new cultivar ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is distinguishable from the seedparent by flower color and number of lobes on an individual flower. Theseed parent ‘Tiny Mice’ bears small orange flowers that individuallyexhibit two identical, fused lobes, whereas ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibitsdark red flowers with six sub-equal lobes on an individual flower.‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is distinguishable from the pollen parent by flowercolor and plant habit. Cuphea procumbens exhibits spreading habit andbears purple flowers, whereas ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits dense uprighthabit and dark magenta flowers.

The first asexual propagation was conducted by the inventor in 2003 atthe inventor's nursery in Brisbane, Australia. The method of propagationused for asexual propagation was vegetative cuttings. Since that time,the distinguishing characteristics of ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ have beendetermined stable and have been determined stable and reproduced true totype in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following represent the distinguishing characteristics of the newCuphea cultivar ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’. In combination these traits set‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ apart from all other existing varieties of Cupheaknown to the inventor. ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ has not been tested under allpossible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed withvariations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, however,without any variance in genotype.

-   -   1. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits large        dark magenta flowers.    -   2. The flowers of Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’        bloom continuously throughout spring, summer and fall.    -   3. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is an annual        plant for container, or a perennial plant in frost-free regions.    -   4. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is readily        propagated using vegetative cuttings.    -   5. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits dense,        upright habit.    -   6. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits large        hairy flower buds.    -   7. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is recommended        for use in hanging basket, window box, clay container, and as a        border plant in the landscape.    -   8. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ exhibits short        internodes, and dark yellow-green foliage.    -   9. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is hardy to USDA        Zone 10.    -   10. Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is 40 cm in        height and 44 cm in width at maturity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color drawings illustrate the overall appearance of thenew Cuphea variety ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ showing the colors as true as itis reasonably possible to obtain in colored reproductions of this type.Colors in the drawings may differ from the color values cited in thedetailed botanical description, which accurately describe the actualcolors of the new variety ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’. The plant depicted in thedrawings is 9 months old.

The drawing labeled FIG. 1 depicts an entire plant in bloom from a sideperspective.

The drawing labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of flowers and seedpods.

All drawings are made using conventional techniques and although foliagecolors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance,they are as accurate as possible by conventional photography.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed description of the Cuphea cultivar named‘Flamenco Cha Cha’. Data was collected and compiled in Santa Barbara,Calif. from 2-liter container plants that were 9-months-old at the time.Color determinations are in accordance with The 2001 Royal HorticulturalSociety Colour Chart except where general color terms of ordinarydictionary significance are used. The growing requirements are similarto the species.

-   Botanical classification: Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha    Cha’.-   Genus: Cuphea.-   Plant species: llavea×procumbens.-   Denomination: Flamenco Cha Cha.-   Common name: Cuphea.-   Suggested uses: Recommended for use in hanging basket, window box,    container, and as a border plant in the landscape.-   Plant parentage: Cuphea llavea×procumbens ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ is a    hybrid plant that resulted from the induced cross-pollination of the    following parent plants:    -   -   Seed parent.—An individual Cuphea llavea ‘Tiny Mice’.        -   Pollen parent.—An individual Cuphea procumbens.-   Plant type: An annual for use in container and a perennial for the    landscape in frost-free regions.-   Commercial category: Annual bedding plant; perennial in frost-free    zones.-   Recommended commercial container size: 2-liter commercial container.-   Plant vigor: Moderate.-   Plant habit: Dense, upright.-   Plant dimension (at maturity): 35 cm in height and 40 cm in width.-   Plant hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 10.-   Plant propagation: Readily propagated using vegetative cuttings.-   Root system: Fleshy root system.-   Cultural requirements: Plant in full sun, using rich, well-draining    potting soil, with regular watering.-   Time to initiate rooting: 4-6 weeks are needed to produce roots on    an initial cutting.-   Crop time: 9-12 months are needed to produce a finished 2-liter    container from a rooted cutting.-   Seasonal interest: Large dark magenta flowers that bloom    continuously throughout spring, summer and fall.-   Disease and pests: None known to the inventor.-   Special growing considerations: Use a slow release fertilizer once a    season and a water-soluble fertilizer twice a month.-   Stem:    -   -   Basal trunk.—One in number.        -   Basal trunk color.—N199A.        -   Basal trunk surface.—Pubescent.        -   Basal trunk shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Basal trunk diameter.—0.75 cm.        -   Basal trunk height.—1.50 cm.        -   Stem surface.—Villous.        -   Color of villi.—156B.        -   Stem shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Stem color.—144C.        -   Stem diameter.—0.25 cm.        -   Stem length.—10 cm to 18 cm.        -   Branching pattern.—Divergent.-   Foliage:    -   -   Leaf type.—Evergreen.        -   Internode length.—Internode averages 1 cm-2 cm.        -   Leaf arrangement.—A combination of alternate, opposite and            whorled.        -   Leaf division.—Simple.        -   Leaf quantity.—An average of 60 leaves.        -   Leaf shape.—Oval.        -   Leaf base.—Oblique.        -   Leaf apex.—Acute.        -   Leaf venation pattern.—Pinnate.        -   Vein color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—138D.        -   Leaf surface (adaxial).—Sparsely hispid.        -   Leaf surface (abaxial).—Sparsely hispid.        -   Leaf texture (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—Bristly.        -   Leaf attachment.—Both sessile and petiolate.        -   Petiole dimensions.—4 mm in length and 1 mm in width.        -   Petiole shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Petiole color.—138B.        -   Petiole surface.—Glabrous surface.        -   Stipules.—None observed.        -   Leaf margin.—Minutely toothed leaf.        -   Leaf color (adaxial surface).—137B.        -   Leaf color (abaxial surface).—137C.        -   Leaf length.—2 cm to 4 cm.        -   Leaf width.—0.75 cm to 2 cm.        -   Foliar fragrance.—None observed.-   Flower:    -   -   Blooming season.—Continuously throughout spring, summer and            fall.        -   Inflorescence type.—Raceme.        -   Quantity of flowers.—3-8 flowers per raceme.        -   Flower shape.—Closest to salverform.        -   Corolla.—None observed.        -   Hypanthium.—Conspicuous.        -   Flower aspect.—Facing upward and outward.        -   Flower color.—Individual colors 71A, N77A present.        -   Flowers self-cleaning or persistent.—Self-cleaning.        -   Pedicel color.—138B.        -   Pedicel shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Pedicel length.—2 mm.        -   Pedicel width.—1 mm.        -   Pedicel surface.—Pubescent.        -   Flower bud shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Flower bud surface.—Combination of villous and multicostate.        -   Color of villi.—156B.        -   Flower bud texture.—Viscidulous.        -   Flower bud colors.—Colors N92A, 156B, and 138A all present.        -   Flower bud apex.—Closest to truncate, and enclosing 6            crumpled valvate lobes.        -   Flower bud base.—Combination of gibbous and oblique.        -   Flower bud dimensions.—2 cm in length and 0.50 cm in            diameter.        -   Flower diameter.—3 cm in width (across) and 4 cm in height            (up and down).        -   Flower depth.—2.50 cm.        -   Corolla tube diameter.—0.50 cm.        -   Corolla tube length.—2.00 cm.        -   Corolla tube color (ventral surface).—138D and 73A.        -   Corolla tube color (dorsal surface).—N92A, 156B, 138A.        -   Corolla tube shape.—Tubular.        -   Corolla tube apex.—Flared.        -   Corolla tube base.—Combination of gibbous and oblique.        -   Corolla tube surface (ventral and dorsal            surfaces).—Combination of villous and multicostate.        -   Corolla tube texture.—Viscidulous.        -   Petals.—Apetalous.        -   Calyx.—(Sepals form valvate lobes). Valvate lobe number: 6;            4 small lobes and 2 large lobes are present on an individual            flower. Valvate lobes attachment: Individual valvate lobes            are attached at summit of hypanthium. Valvate lobe            arrangement: Rotate arrangement. Large valvate lobe            dimensions: 1.40 cm in width and 1.50 cm in length. Small            valvate lobe dimensions: 0.75 cm in width and 1 cm in            length. Valvate lobe color (adaxial and abaxial surfaces):            Colors 71A are present on an individual valvate lobe.            Valvate lobe texture: Delicate. Valvate lobe surfaces            (adaxial and abaxial surfaces): Rugose surfaces. Valvate            lobe appearance (adaxial and abaxial surfaces): Irridescent.            Valvate lobe shape: 2 individual valvate lobes are orbicular            in shape and 4 individual valvate lobes are rotund in shape.            Valvate lobe apex: Obtuse and rounded. Valvate lobe base:            Cuneate and rounded. Valvate lobe margin: Valvate lobe            margin is sinuous. Valvate lobes unfused or fused: Unfused.        -   Flower fragrance.—None observed.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamens.—8 in number, semi-exserted and adnate to ventral            surface of an individual corolla tube.        -   Color of stamens.—145D.        -   Stamen dimensions.—4 stamens are 1 cm in length and 4            stamens are 0.75 cm in length on an individual flower.        -   Anthers.—On an individual flower the long stamens are tufted            with dense purple hairs and the short stamens exhibit            anthers.        -   Color of hairs.—77D.        -   Anther dimensions.—0.75 mm in length and 0.75 mm in width.        -   Anther color.—83A.        -   Amount of pollen.—Minimal amount.        -   Pollen color.—150B.        -   Pistil.—One.        -   Pistil length.—2.50 cm.        -   Pistil shape.—Filament.        -   Pistil surface.—Puberulent.        -   Pistil color.—145D.        -   Stigma color.—145D.        -   Stigma shape.—Uncinate.        -   Stigma dimensions.—0.25 mm in length.        -   Ovary position.—Superior.        -   Ovary shape.—Ovate.        -   Ovary color.—145D.        -   Ovary surface.—Glabrous.        -   Ovary dimensions.—1 cm in height and 0.50 cm in width.-   Seed:    -   -   Number of seed.—15-20 individual seeds.        -   Seed shape.—Discoid.        -   Seed color.—145D.        -   Seed surface.—Combination of glabrous and semi-glossy.        -   Seed dimensions.—1 mm.

1. A new and distinct variety of Cuphea plant named ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’as described and illustrated herein.